Page 18 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - January '22

Page 18, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Rotorua: Heart Of The Māori Nation

By Don Kiselewski, MCC, Some 14 varieties
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens of sheep are grown
Travel Leaders in the country, with
When the Polynesian Merinos being the
Māori (Mar-ee) landed in most popular. In the
New Zealand some 800 years last several decades,
ago, they were attracted the economics of
to the unique area on the raising sheep have
northeastern part of the caused many of the
North Island. In exploring sheep herds to be
the area, they came upon replaced with red
numerous lakes, the second deer. New Zealanders
of which was named Rotorua, or simply, “the second lake.” have found that deer consume less food in grazing and
Little did they know that this area would become one of the are more profitable at the market, both for meat and for before they were overrun by the population. Now is the
most popular tourist spots in New Zealand. Nine out of ten antlers. Currently, New Zealand is the largest exporter time to visit these beautiful islands, before too many people
visitors to the country visit the area, and the local city has of venison to Europe. get in the way of your photographs. Rotorua and all of
grown as a result. Special farm shows – such as the Agrodome and Long New Zealand is waiting to show you its magnificent, warm
The North island of New Zealand is located on the Ridge Farm – educate visitors on the animals of the hospitality.
“Ring of Fire” that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. This string area, and how they are raised, sheared and marketed. In Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
of volcanoes that tear through the Earth’s crust, forming addition, Rainbow Springs, in cooperation with the national having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans,
the circle, is perhaps most appreciated in the area around government, is breeding trout to fill and enhance the streams. seas and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel
Rotorua. Lake Rotorua has filled the crater of a volcano, and Fly-fishing for trout in the rushing streams of the area is Leaders, his family owned and operated agency, is located
all roads go up to the edge of the crater that surrounds the another popular activity, which draws countless visitors. at Mirasol Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building
community. The water in the center of the lake is heated by New Zealanders have always lived on the “edge” in their A, Suite 102-6, Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been
the thermal activity. The network of past geological activities sporting endeavors. The “All Blacks” rugby team is one serving the travel needs of the South Florida area for over
can be enjoyed through the Waimangu Volcanic Valley with of the toughest in the sport; bungee (or “bungy”) jumping a quarter of a century. Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or
a climb, by foot or four-wheeler, to Mount Tarawera, the and zorbing originated here; and the America’s Cup, one Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
culmination. The sides of these volcanoes are covered with of the world’s most exhilarating boating experiences, can Photos by Don Kiselewski
rich flora, generated by the high mineral content of the ash. be found near Rotorua. The Kaituna River acts as the arena
The Māori were attracted to this area because of the for “jet boating,” a unique sport of New Zealand. Specially
natural thermal condition that occurs in the area. Thermal designed boats that hold more than a dozen people are
geysers, hot mineral baths and bubbling mud pools are found propelled across the surface of the water at such speed
just outside Rotorua in Whakarewarewa (Fak-a-ware-a- that they draw only 2 inches of draft. These boats travel
ware-a). The Māori utilized this underground energy source the zigzagging narrow river, doing flat 360-degree turns as
not only to heat their homes, but also to steam and cook their they skim the surface of the water. Like bungee jumping or
food. Today, the food for the Māori Hangi (banquet) is still zorbing, it is no place for those with a weak heart.
cooked by this natural steam. Fish, meats and vegetables are Accommodations in Rotorua are excellent, with lodging
placed in oven boxes, set on the ground over these steam capable of fitting any price range and need. No visit to
outlets, where they quick cook to perfection. Even fresh Rotorua would be complete without the experience of
boiled corn on the cob is enjoyed, cooked directly in mesh the traditional feast, the Hangi. In addition to those that
bags and dipped into the thermal pools. Thermal energy can be enjoyed at the tribal Great Houses of the area,
from below the ground is converted to electricity and heat cultural parks present a nightly Hangi as part of their
for many of the homes in the area. entertainment activities, which reflect the lifestyle of the
The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Māori. Regardless of where you participate in the Hangi,
located at Whakarawarewa Thermal Reserve, has captured the food will still be cooked using the thermal steam …
the heritage of the people and continues to propagate their and the song and native dancing unforgettable.
culture. The center contains authentic buildings of the Māori, New Zealanders have a keen awareness of what is
including the Meeting House, Weaving School and Carving important in life. It’s an expression of respect for all living
School. Meeting houses have traditionally been the center of creatures. They encourage you to do three things: Relax,
the tribe and they are used for all tribal affairs, including the Enjoy and Toitu Te Whenua (leave the land undisturbed).
Hangi. Craft schools teach the native arts of weaving to the This attitude has been amply expressed in their position
young women and carving to the young men. Each young regarding French nuclear testing in the area.
craftsman is selected from one of the 14 major Māori tribes Today’s sights and attractions of New Zealand are
located on the islands, and serves a three-year apprenticeship, reminiscent of those of our own national parks some 40
after which they return to their tribes to educate others in years ago, when they were in a more natural state, and
their community. An active community of Māori still lives
just outside the gates of Whakarewarewa, following the same
lifestyle they have practiced for centuries.
Mountainous terrain around Rotorua does not lend itself
to agriculture, with the exceptions of the Chinese gooseberry,
better known down under as kiwifruit. However, the terrain
is perfect for grazing. Holstein and Jersey cows are the most
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